Alan Rickman Confirmed for CBGB Biopic

British actor Alan Rickman, most recently known as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series, has been confirmed to star in an upcoming film about legendary rock club CBGB. Rickman will star as club owner and founder Hilly Kristal, who originally opened CBGB to provide a home to country, bluegrass and blues bands. Ultimately, though, the storied New York City venue became the most famous site associated with the rise of punk in America during the 1970s, fostering the careers of The Ramones, Blondie and Patti Smith.

The yet-to-be-titled project was co-written by Randall Miller and Jody Savin and will be directed by Miller. Their production company, Unclaimed Freight Productions will produce it along with Lisa Kristal Burgman (Kristal’s daughter who controls her father’s estate) and Brad Rosenberger (a former senior VP of Warner-Chappell Music-turned-producer).

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Miller and Savin hope to begin filming this June. In the meantime check out the info on this summer’s CBGB festival being held in New York City.

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